A woman on TikTok is going viral after breaking down what she says are the true costs of owning a Volvo.
Cali Marie (@calimari99) admitted she’s smitten with her car, calling it one of her favorites—but she warned that the love comes with a hefty price tag.
Marie said she’s often heard people describe the Volvo XC90 and XC40 as the “ultimate girl car.” As an owner of an XC40 herself, she agreed, saying she “absolutely” loves driving it. But after a recent trip to the mechanic for a routine oil change, she decided to share what she called an eye-opening repair estimate.
“Before you buy a Volvo, watch this,” she wrote in the on-screen caption of her clip, which has now racked up more than 4,500 views.
How Much Were Repairs for Her Volvo XC40?
Marie told viewers that her car is “fairly new and it’s in good condition,” emphasizing that what she was quoted was “just normal maintenance items.” Still, the total cost made her think twice.
She started with the basics: an oil change, which she said cost $218. From there, the mechanic recommended a list of upgrades to prepare her car for winter, including new wiper blades for $179.69, a replacement battery for $831.69, four new tires for $1,944.06, an alignment for $275.20, and a sunroof drain cleaning for $270.11.
By the end, the total repair estimate came out to $4,953.78.
“Keep that in mind if you’re in the market for a Volvo,” Marie said, adding that even though she loves her car, maintaining it definitely isn’t cheap.
Gallery: 2019 Volvo XC40: First Drive
Are Volvos the “Ultimate Girl Car”?
Volvos have picked up a new label online—the “ultimate girl car.” But there’s no evidence suggesting that the Swedish brand initially set out to make cars specifically for women.
Then, in 2004, Volvo debuted a prototype called the YCC, short for “Your Concept Car.” According to reports, the all-female design team behind it stated that the product's goal was to design a car by women, for women. The result was a car with washable seat covers, computerized parking assistance, smarter storage, and even a built-in wastebasket.
That mindset still defines Volvo today. The company’s reputation for safety and durability has made it especially popular among women buyers, though its appeal cuts across demographics.
Modern models, such as the XC40 and XC90, carry on that ethos. They’re understated and loaded with the kind of thoughtful tech that turns repeat buyers into evangelists.
So are Volvos the “ultimate girl car”? Only in the sense that they’re the ultimate everyone car: reliable, quietly stylish, and more innovative than most of what’s on the road.
Gallery: 2025 Volvo XC90 Review
Are Volvos Expensive to Maintain?
Volvos have a reputation for being pricey to maintain, and there’s some truth to that. They generally cost more to service than the average car, but they’re still cheaper to maintain than many other European luxury brands. Most of the expense comes down to parts and labor, since Volvo is considered a premium automaker.
The exact cost depends on the model, its age, and what kind of repair you need. Older Volvos can rack up bigger bills for things like transmission work or suspension fixes. Newer ones are less demanding but still require specialized parts and mechanics trained to work on them, which adds up quickly.
Compared to BMWs or Mercedeses, Volvos are often more reasonable to keep on the road—but still not cheap. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding those painful repair quotes. Sticking to oil changes and inspections on schedule helps prevent larger problems later.
Drivers can also save money by shopping around for certified service centers or independent import shops. Extended warranties or prepaid maintenance plans can help, too. And if a warning light pops up, don’t ignore it—small issues become expensive ones fast.
Viewers Blame Dealership for Adding Unnecessary Add-Ons
People in the comments section weren’t buying the idea that Marie’s pricey maintenance list had anything to do with owning a Volvo.
“That’s not a Volvo thing, that’s a dealership thing,” one viewer wrote. “I’m surprised they didn’t add a cabin air filter. Plus $218 for an oil change is a rip-off!”
Another person argued that dealerships pad the bill to see what they can get away with.
“They’re just trying to see if you’re a sucka,” they said. “We’re not buying a battery at a dealership.”
Others piled on, calling the repair quotes outrageous.
“Yeah, they’re taking you for a ride. That’s insane!” one person said. “You can get all that stuff done way cheaper outside of the dealership.”
Several Volvo drivers chimed in with their own cost-cutting tricks.
“I drive a Volvo, but I do not go to the dealer for service,” one commenter explained. “Still under warranty as long as the scheduled maintenance is done. It’s half the price going elsewhere.”
Another offered a few practical tips.
“Do you have a Costco membership?” they asked. “Check and see if your dealership participates with the Costco discount. The battery can be done with AAA, wipers are simple to install, the sunroof drain is a must!!!”
“I have a Volvo XC60 and I never get my tires changed at the dealership or my oil changed there,” said another. “It is a huge markup.”
Motor1 has reached out to Marie via a direct message on TikTok.
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